Reforzará vigilancia en muelles

Semar, al tomar control de puertos

The Harbor Master, Ismael Gonzalez Gil, said that at the end of the day, the functions of the Harbor Master are exactly the same, but with SEMAR (Secretary of the Navy) administrating the ports, there will be other benefits, which should translate into better work and better services. The changes were officially announced on March 1st and will begin on June 17.
Previously the General Directors of the Harbor Masters were under the authority of the SCT (Secretary of Communications and Transport), which has been transferred to SEMAR, beginning June 17. He noted that the SEMAR is already a part of the authorities on the island and of all the Harbor Masters in the country. He explained that the Harbor Master's office will continue to provide surveillance of the seas, coasts, and boats, with support from SEMAR.

Mayor is committed to islanders having decent housing

Vivienda digna

Compromiso de Juan Carrillo con isleños

Cecilia SOLIS

ISLA MUJERES, 25 de abril.-

Leer más...Full article at this link
Decent housing for islanders is one of the commitments of the 2016-2018 Municipal Development Plan under the section "Quality of Life in Isla Mujeres" and authorities are working in a coordinated manner with state officials toward this goal. The Mayor, Juan Carrillo Soberanis, recognized the owrk of SEDUVI (Dept. of Urban Housing and Development) and their program Emerging Actions for Decent Housing. He spoke about the importance of decent housing for the benefit of families and communities, and the importance of the municipal and state governments working together toward this goal.

Trabas para recibir la basura

En Centro Intermunicipal de Residuos Sólidos

Emptying the Trash Transfer facility on the island has been delayed due to problems with the company SIRESOL blocking trucks at the Inter-municipal landfill on the mainland part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres.
Isla Mujeres Mayor Juan Carrillo has spoken with the Mayor of the Benito Juarez municipality, and says he prefers dialogue and coming to an agreement, which they have been working on, before taking legal action. The Isla Mujeres Mayor has also talked with representatives from SIRESOL, and at times the problem seemed resolved, but it has persisted that the company is placing obstacles concerning depositing the trash that is generated on the island. The Isla Mujeres Mayor has also been talking to the Mayor of Benito Juarez (Cancun) regarding making payments on their debt for use of the landfill facilities.

Regular transporte de carga

Piden en reunión de concesionarios

State officials met with truck union representatives from the municipalities of Puerto Morelos, Cancun, and Isla Mujeres and municipal officials regarding their concessions and the laws.

Direct contactMayor Juan Carrillo visited colonia La Guadalupana

Contacto directo

Juan Carrillo visitó colonia La Guadalupana

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 23 de abril.-

Leer más...Full article at this link
Mayor Juan Carrillo visited colonia La Guadalupana as part of his commitment to remain close to the residents of the island, where he listened and responded to the requests and complaints of the inhabitants. The residents explained their needs and thanked him for carrying out this type of work, with direct contact with the citizenry. He said he will continue working to provide improved and increased security and public services throughout the island, so the families will have a higher quality of life. He said that from the first day of his administration , he has been committed to listening to the needs of the people and to support them in the improvement of their neighborhoods. He said it is vital for all who live on the island to have quality public services and security, and he pledged to continue to work on these issues.

Mayor is committed to islanders having decent housing See DQR article above.

See article in Por Esto about Orange Day against Violence toward women or girls (News Briefs)

`World Day of the Fight Against Malaria

Clean and safe Isla Mujeres during the Easter holidays
There was an increase in the number of visitors this holiday season, thanks to promotion done by the City, led my Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis and the City's designation as a Pueblo Magico. The island remained safe and clean thanks to the coordinated work of various agencies including Public Safety and Traffic (municipal police), ZOFEMAT (Federal Zone), and Public Services.

Successful Special Edition of Noches Magicas/ Magic NightsThis cultural program was enjoyed by visitor and islander and celebrates the 500 years since the first sighting of Isla Mujeres by Europeans, by the City, led by Mayor Juan Carrillo Soberanis, via the Institute of Culture and Art under the Direction of Ruben Perez Martin. This last night of these special four night presentation (one was cancelled by rain) featured singer Ernesto Rodriguez and the dance academy "Adrenalina". The artists received enthusiastic applause from the audience and recognition from municipal authorities. These events are part of the efforts by the Mayor to promote culture and arts and to provide family entertainment for islanders and visitors.

Complaints about Ultramar Ultramar discrimina a viajantes+] Ver masFull article at this link
City Councilman for the MORENA party, Roberto Martinez Aragon, says that another ferry company is needed to compete with Ultramar. He said that the fares they charge tourists is excessive at 300 pesos per round trip and that they are discriminating against the passengers who pay lower fares, including residents and adult students. He said it is difficult for workers who come from other states for job opportunities and must pay the 300 pesos fee and cannot get the state resident discount, but must live in Cancun for personal reasons. He said these people pay the same as tourists but are not given the preferences that are given to foreigners.
He said there are times that residents are told the line is closed, but if the back ramp has not yet been removed, foreigner tourists are allowed to enter, and the islanders are left with no choice but to wait for the next boat. He said he has witnessed this two or three times and received complaints about this from islanders. He said he knows an hard working adult who is trying to receive his high school credential by attending school in Cancun, but is denied the student discount because he is not a young man. The Councilman said he thought Ultramar had changed this policy about student credentials and explained that nine years ago when he was studying for his degree in Cancun, he applied for student rate and was told he didn't qualify because he was an adult. He filed a complaint with CONAPRED at that time, when PAN was in control of the Federal government, and he felt it was logical that they ruled against him in that political climate. He said times have changed since then and he inviteed anyone who felt that Ultramar has discriminated against them to file an complaint and said he will gladly process it.

Excellent weather for nautical activities Excelente clima para actividades náuticas [+] Ver masFull article at this link
April 25 On Tuesday, the port remained open for nautical activities by all boats, but there is a chance that small boats could be restricted on Wednesday, if the winds reach more than 40 kilometers per hour. The commercial fishermen are taking advantage of the good weather to supply the local market with a good variety of seafood, and less demand than during the Lent and Easter seasons, when customers were waiting on the beach. The president of the cooperative Social Justicia said their members brought in 300 kilos of mixed fish in two days, as well as 100 kilos of fillets. He said this is not as much as you might think, since on a good day in older times, a single boat would come in with 300 kilos. He noted that shark season will close for the state on May 1st through June 30th.

Hotel occupancy is at 72.9% overall, but the statistic is not broken down between the island and the continental area and include all the hotels of the municipality. This is how the statistic will be given in the future, which is apparently in compliance with orders from the State Secretary of Tourism

April 25 Officers with the Navy and the Federal Police have conducted reviews with a pair of trained dogs, for the passengers arriving at the docks of the Maritime Terminals of APIQRoo, with no prohibited items or substances found, apparently.

The Orange Day against Violence toward women or girls was commemorated with the viewing of a film called Hidden Talents (Talentos Occultos) at the audiovisual room of the Navy base. It won the American Film of the Year award in 2016 and tells the story of three African American women scientists who participated in the NASA space program and suffered discrimination because of their gender and their race.

On Sunday at 12:30pm at the El Pescador's baseball field, the Pescadores of Isla Mujeres will play against the Ganaderos of Lazaro Cardenas as part of the State Baseball League competition. This game will be free and is expected to be exciting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lot delivery begins Wednesday on mainland Isla Mujeres Inicia la entrega de lotes. [+] Ver mas Full article at this link
April 24 Lot delivery begins Wednesday on mainland Isla Mujeres, in stages, for the benefit of more than 1700 people who were given letters of assignment in 2005 for residential or commercial lots. Details are given about the meeting place and time on the mainland for the first 101 people who filed suit in 2014 and received a favorable opinion from a judge in December, 2016. Those who received letters of assignment will receive lots within the housing program SEDUVI, Department of Urban and Housing Development because the municipality of Isla Mujeres had donated 2007 acres in 2007 (to INFOVIR, the agency that was replaced by SEDUVI) to address this need. The attorney Alfonso Garcia, who represents the beneficiaries will attend the meeting, where information will be provided and a symbolic deed delivery.

Two children rescued from the seaDos menores rescatados en el mar. [+] Ver mas Full article at this link
April 24 In two separate incidents, the Naval lifeguards assisted children who were having difficulty leaving the sea, helping them from the water, and Naval medics gave them a medical evaluation. Each was found to be in good health and turned over to their parents. One child was from the state of Tabasco and the other was from the state of Quintana Roo. One event occurred at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres and the other was at Playa del Niño at Puerto Juarez. The assistance was part of the Operation Salvavidas (Lifesaver), Semana Santa 2017 (Easter vacation), by the Fifth Naval Region, which is based in Isla Mujeres. This is part of the legal responsibilities of the Mexican Navy to safeguard human lives at sea.

Children's soccer tournament Torneo “A la Medida del Niño”. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
April 24 A children's soccer tournament will begin Sunday, April 30, and is part of the celebrations for Children's Day, at the Toro Valenzuela of ACD.

First day of classes after vacation: 25% absenteeismRegreso a clases con 25% de ausentismo. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
April 24 About 5000 schoolchildren were scheduled to return to classes on Monday, but not all of them were able to arrive on time, which should be normalized in upcoming days. There were no delays in the arrival of the teaching staff.
This week there are only four day of classes for the children in the preschool-kinders and in the primary school because of the celebration of the Children's Day, and the teacher will have a meeting of the technical council (because it is the last Friday of the month). There are no classes on Monday because of Labor Day.

April 23 Now that we are entering the final phase of the season of southern winds, this can contributed to the expansion of the beach and sand at Playa Centro. This has caused the swimmers to go beyond the buoy boundaries, which is dangerous because that puts them in the area of navigation by boats. There is a need to move the buoy line about 10 meters farther out, before an accident occurs, according to the Naval lifeguards who monitor the area. The municipal Civil Protection department has been asked to do this work.
Visitors and concession holders are pleased about the increased beach in this area, which offers more space for recreation by families. It has grown about 10 percent, according to some estimates, and cold front 41 was perhaps the last of the season.
There are estimates that during the two weeks of the holiday season around 100,000 visitors enjoyed the sands and waters of the island. It is noted that COFEPRIS (Federal Commission against Sanitary Risks) has ongoing monitoring of the quality of the water to insure optimal conditions are maintained.

Commemoration of Earth Day continues Continúa conmemoración del Día de la Madre TierraVer masFull article at this link
April 23 Families participated in the Plant a Tree program at the Las Iguanas Park, with the reforestation of plants and trees led by DIF president Paola Orrico de Carrillo, in coordination with various associations and governmental agencies. More than 25 trees were planted at the park. Ms Orrico de Carrillo said that the event provided an opportunity to raise awareness about how our lives depend on care and respect for nature, and that education is an important tool in caring for the environment and our climate, for everyone's future and for future generations.

April 23 This article says that preliminary reports indicate there was a Saldo Blanco for the holiday period, and that the port could be closed on Monday due to winds from cold front #41, with potential for some rain and clouds. It notes that there are six lifeguard towers, and two are in need of attention.
The Isla Mujeres basketball team, Cahuameros lost both games to the Dorados of Playa del Carmen Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday night they lost by 24 points and on Sunday they lost with a score of 79 to 63. The Dorados will play Isla Mujeres again Saturday, and if Isla Mujeres wins, that will mean they must play a fourth and final game.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within
ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas,
Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department
store-grocery Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a
couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes
20-30 minutes to walk downtown.

Isla Brewing Company says: Where can all your dreams come true? The Artist Fair at the Casa de Cultura has it all. Awesome Art, Delicious Food, Cold Beer, and Great Music. This week’s musical guest is Kiritz Reggae, 6 – 8, everything is IRIE
Thursday, April 6 6pm
You are invited to an event about the workshops available at the Casa de
la Cultura on Thursday at 6pm. Learn pinata making, hammock making,
Yoga, dance & more!

Friday, April 7 Easter Vacation begins

On Good Friday, April 14, about 75 actors are expected to participate
in the reenactment of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, which is
part of the celebrations of the 500 years since Catholicism came to
these lands. This will be the 25th anniversary of this celebration of
the Passion of Christ in Isla Mujeres, and will include all the actors
who have played Christ over those 25 years.
Holy Week begins April 9th with Palm Sunday, with the blessing of the
palms and more emphasis will be given to the entrance of Christ (played
for the sixth time by Wenceslao Trejo Martinez) into Jerusalem, riding
on a small burro, as it says in the Scriptures.
A press conference was held about the event by parish priest Raul
Sanchez, who explained that more than 30,000 pesos are being invested in
the event, since it celebrates the 25 years of this event as well as
500 years since Isla Mujeres was encountered by Europeans, bringing
Catholicism. They are getting new armor from Guadalajara for the Roman
soldiers, and a renovation to the wardrobes of the main characters, so
they will look more professional and realistic, as well as the costs of
the burro.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday April 7 6:30-8:30p Cocktail reception for Batik Artist Sergio
Amar Cocina Peruana Restaurant is on the back street Guerrero, just
north of Abasolo & the Cultural Center, on the west side of the
street. Sergio's impressive batik art can be seen, and purchased, at the
Thursday Artist Fairs. He also does murals & sign painting. We love
the mural he painted for us! His are will be featured and for sale at the restaurant all month.

Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday at 9:30am, a procession will reenact the triumphant
entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, by walking from Playa Centro to
the Town Square, where a mass will be celebrated in front of an audience
which is expected to be ~1000 Catholics. Fifty people
will participate as actors and 20 will be in charge of logistics.
Another reenactment of the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem is
scheduled for 7:30pm from the tourist center at Mundaca Hacienda to the
Sacred Heart Church in La Gloria, where Mass will take place.

Holy
Thursday, April 13 Foot Washing Ceremony and reenactment of
the Last Supper Town Square Immaculate Concepcion Church
There will be two Last Suppers and Washing of the Feet reenactments,
with the first at the downtown church Immaculate Conception at 8:30pm
and the second is an hour later at the Sacred Heart Church

Good Friday, April 14 10:30am Sacred
Heart Church (in la Gloria), Passion of Christ reenactment with the
Stations of the Cross . On Friday, reenactment of the ViaCrusis (passion play/stations of the
cross) will start at 10:30 (at Sacred Heart) and join the other group at
the Guadalupe Chapel (overlooking the Caribbean in Salina Chica) and
they all will go together for traditional walk to downtown, which is
four kilometers finishing on the Town Square at 3p with recreation
of the crucifixion of Christ.

Don’t get LOST! The Isla Mujeres Artist Fair is Thursday 3:30 – 8:30 at the Casa de Cultura. Music starts at 6 and features the local Salsa band “Tokeson”. DRINK LOCAL BEER….BUY LOCAL ART…..EAT LOCAL FOOD…..DANCE…..HAVE LOCO FUN

Saturday, April 22, Earth Day Action for Isla
To everyone who loves Isla Mujeres,
Action for Isla would like to cordially invite you to participate in the 2nd Annual Earth Day Isla Mujeres Dive Against Debris
Event on April 22, 2017. The main objective of the event is to perform a
cleanup of the docks and beaches of Isla Mujeres in order to give back
to the community and the island that we all love and enjoy.
Last year’s event was a raging success, over 60 volunteers on land and
sea collected more than 650kgs of trash in the space of an hour and a
half, including 425 glass bottles, 87 snorkel tubes, 6 car and tractor
tires and a supermarket shopping cart. We hope to make this year even
bigger!
The main reason for this letter is to invite you to
participate and support the cause. This event consists of teams of
certified divers, support snorkelers and spotters on land that will
remove trash from the areas under the docks from the Adolfo López Mateos
dock to the dock of the restaurant Velazquez. Volunteers on the beach
will assist in the separation and classification of waste. Additional
volunteers and the schools of Isla Mujeres will facilitate a
simultaneous cleaning of the beaches and boardwalk (Malecón) area and
beaches of downtown (Centro) that same day.
In addition to
cleaning, we will hold a raffle to raise funds for improvements in the
area of the National Park and actively contribute to the organization
Project AWARE, which aids in organizing such events worldwide and is
currently supporting the logistics of this event. Furthermore, we will
document and report the classification and total weight of all debris
collected from these two areas to assist Project Aware in their ongoing
research regarding marine conservation.
We will provide gloves
and lunch for participants as well as large water dispensers, please
bring your own refillable water container as it is Earth Day and we
would like to promote reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Volunteer Positions Available
*Divers – Advanced Open Water Divers and higher (Dependent upon available gear)
*Snorkelers (Unlimited with own Gear)
Beach Cleaners (Unlimited)
Malecón Cleaners (Unlimited)
Trash Sorters and Weighers (Unlimited)
**Sign-In Volunteers (4 People)
**T-Shirts and Raffle Ticket Sales (2-3 People)
**Water Stand Volunteers (6 People)
**Beer and Sandwich Stand (2 People)
Boat Spotters on each Dock (10 People)
Transporting trash from divers and snorkelers to the collection pile (Unlimited)
*If you wish to dive to collect debris please ensure you are Advance
Open Water certified and contact us as soon as posible, there is a limit
on the number of divers we can have based upon the available gear.
Please bring your own snorkel gear if you have it. ALL DIVERS AND
SNORKELERS MUST ATTEND AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY BRIEFING THE EVENING BEFORE
THE EVENT.
**The in water clean-up will begin at 8:00am (divers
and organizers meet at 7:30am) the event will continue until 2pm to
factor in the time for sorting the trash, and then the raffle will take
place. Cleaners and volunteers may come at any time but we ask if you
would like to volunteer at the stands please contact us and ensure you
can show up at 8am to help with set-up. Thank you!
There are many
volunteer positions available for this project and if you can help in
any way, big or small, please contact us! We are excited to not only
clean up trash from our beaches and public areas, but also to involve
community members in our ongoing efforts to contribute to the health and
wellbeing of our beautiful Isla Mujeres.
To participate please
contact us via our Facebook page "Action for Isla" or by email at
actionforisla@gmail.com. We can also be reached by telephone +52 (998)
134-0712 or +52 (998) 244-4009. We firmly believe that there is strength
in unity, and we look forward to your participation.

Isla Brewery says....
THIS IS THE LAST ARTIST FAIR OF THE SEASON! If you are lucky enough to be on the island, you need to come see why this event has been so successful. This year’s
Artist Fair Finale is Thursday April 27th at the Casa de Cultura 3:30 –
8:30. Come down and check out the local talent. Local Salsa band
“Tokeson” will be playing starting at 6:00. The weather is going to
amazing, take advantage and come on down. This Thursday, party like a
pirate. DRINK LOCAL BEER….BUY LOCAL ART…..EAT LOCAL FOOD…..DANCE…..HAVE LOCO FUN

Sunday, April 30 Children's Day

Sunday, April 30 on the Town Square stage at 8p. A Celebration of the International Day of Dance

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

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...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

Poc Na has late night live music

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo live music some evenings ~7-11

La Terraza ~10-12

Fenix ~2p~5p Sundays, live music on the beach

Veradara's restaurant: live Cuban music weekend afternoons

Walk around Hidalgo at night & listen for live music

Strolling musicians working for tips available afternoons & evenings

Click on the map for more info

And check out the Ixchel mural at MVC by Colegio Bachilleres (Aeropuerto)

MVC recommends these & we have a few to loan to guests, who say they are Very Helpful